London student’s unique vision of university life wins £2,500 prize in UNITE’s Future Room competition
A London student’s pod-inspired concept for the future of student accommodation has won the prestigious Future Room design competition by impressing a judging panel of the cream of the Capital’s architectural scene.
Jerome Tsui, a student at the Architectural Association School of Architecture won the competition with his entry, titled “Towards an Undifferentiated Common”. It envisages a future where students live in minimalist, mobile “pods” situated in common areas on campuses, blurring the boundaries between living and learning.
Student accommodation provider UNITE launched the Future Room competition in collaboration with Blueprint, the leading magazine of architecture and design, and Superfusionlab, an innovative architectural practice which has installed, exhibited and designed projects around the world.
The competition was open to all students in London, challenging them to look ahead to 2050 and think about how students will study, interact and socialise in the future.
Jerome receives a £2,500 cash prize, and will get the chance to hone his design and architectural skills under the expert guidance of judge Nathaniel Kolbe in a work placement at Superfusionlab.
Nathaniel said: “Jerome has shown great potential with his design, which impressed us with its bold approach to the future of student living. I am looking forward to seeing more from him during his placement.”
Competition judge and acting editor of Blueprint, Peter Kelly, said: “The standard of entries was extremely high, but Jerome’s came out on top thanks to his imaginative and ambitious interpretation of the brief. He addressed the issues that students will face in the future with an excellent, original concept.
”Neville Snell, UNITE’s Operations Director for London said: “This competition has shown the depth of talent there is in London’s universities. The entries offered many intriguing visions of the future, and the ability shown by the students who entered points to a bright future for the city.
”Future Room is the latest initiative from UNITE designed to stimulate and reward innovative student thinking. Previous projects have included photography competitions and a challenge to immortalise ‘Inspirational Londoners’ in new, original artworks.
UNITE in London
UNITE has 26 properties available to book in a range of locations across London, including three brand new properties set to open in September 2010.
A range of room types are on offer including shared flats for two to seven people as well as studios and one bed flats. There are no hidden costs as utility bills, contents insurance and in-room internet access are included in the rent price.
Bookings are now being taken for the 10/11 academic year. A range of short term lets are also available for an immediate start. To find out more, arrange a viewing or to book a room, visit www.unite-students.com or call 0800 783 4213.